Kabir Bedi recalls mother Freda Bedi's arrest during freedom struggle on Gandhi Jayanti
Synopsis
On Gandhi Jayanti, actor Kabir Bedi shared a rarely told family story: his British-born mother Freda Bedi was personally chosen by Mahatma Gandhi as a satyagrahi, led protests against British rule in Punjab's Dera Baba Nanak, and was arrested and jailed for it — a first-person legacy account that brings a striking personal dimension to India's independence story.
Key Takeaways
Kabir Bedi paid tribute to his mother Freda Bedi on Gandhi Jayanti, 2 October , via an Instagram post.
Freda Bedi was described as a hand-picked satyagrahi of Mahatma Gandhi during India's freedom movement.
She led peaceful demonstrations against the British in Dera Baba Nanak, Punjab , and was arrested and jailed for her participation.
Freda Bedi was British-born — making her participation in the anti-colonial struggle particularly significant.
She passed away on 26 March 1977 .
Kabir also shared photographs from a personal visit to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat .
Actor Kabir Bedi paid tribute to his mother, Freda Bedi, on Gandhi Jayanti, 2 October, honouring her role as a hand-picked satyagrahi in India's freedom movement. The actor shared personal memories and photographs on Instagram, drawing a direct line between his family's legacy and Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance.
Freda Bedi's Role in the Freedom Struggle
In his post, Kabir recalled that his mother was personally chosen by Mahatma Gandhi to participate in non-violent protests against British rule. 'During India's Freedom Movement my mother, Freda Bedi, was a hand-picked satyagrahi (non-violent protester), of Mahatma Gandhi,' he wrote. Freda led peaceful demonstrations against the British in the family's hometown of Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab, for which she was arrested and imprisoned.
A Visit to Sabarmati Ashram
Kabir also shared photographs from a personal visit to Gandhiji's historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, describing the experience as deeply meaningful given his family's ties to the freedom struggle. 'On one of my trips to Ahmedabad in Gujrat I visited Gandhiji's historic ashram - Sabaramati. These are the pictures from that visit,' he wrote.
Who Was Freda Bedi
Freda Bedi was a British-born writer, freedom activist, and later a Buddhist nun who actively supported India's independence movement alongside Mahatma Gandhi. She participated in non-violent protests and was imprisoned under British rule — a remarkable act for a foreign national at the time. She passed away on 26 March 1977. Her son Kabir Bedi went on to become one of India's most recognised actors, known internationally for roles including the Bond villain Gobinda in Octopussy and domestically for films like Khoon Bhari Maang.
Gandhi Jayanti: The Occasion
Gandhi Jayanti is observed across India every year on 2 October to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth-force) became the moral backbone of India's independence movement. This year's observance saw several public figures and artists sharing personal tributes, with Kabir Bedi's post standing out for its rare, first-person family account of the struggle.
Concluding his post, Kabir extended warm wishes to his followers, writing: 'Wishing you all love and peace on Gandhi Jayanti.'
Point of View
Was hand-picked by Gandhi himself, and paid with imprisonment. Freda Bedi's story cuts against the monolithic narrative of the freedom struggle, reminding us that some of the movement's committed participants came from the very society that ruled India. That dimension rarely gets airtime on national occasions, which makes Kabir's account — however briefly told on social media — quietly significant.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Freda Bedi and what was her role in India's freedom movement?
Freda Bedi was a British-born writer and activist who was hand-picked by Mahatma Gandhi to participate in India's freedom movement as a satyagrahi. She led non-violent demonstrations against British rule in Dera Baba Nanak, Punjab, and was arrested and jailed for her involvement. She passed away on 26 March 1977.
What did Kabir Bedi post on Gandhi Jayanti 2026?
Kabir Bedi shared an Instagram post on 2 October recalling his mother Freda Bedi's role as a Gandhi-chosen satyagrahi. He also shared photographs from a personal visit to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and concluded with a Gandhi Jayanti greeting.
Why is Freda Bedi's participation in the freedom struggle considered notable?
Freda Bedi was British-born, making her active opposition to British colonial rule in India particularly remarkable. She participated in non-violent protests alongside Indian freedom fighters, was imprisoned by the British, and was personally selected by Mahatma Gandhi.
Where did Freda Bedi lead freedom movement protests?
Freda Bedi led peaceful demonstrations against the British in Dera Baba Nanak, a town in Punjab, which Kabir Bedi described as his hometown.
What is Gandhi Jayanti and why is it observed?
Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on 2 October to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It honours his philosophy of non-violence and satyagraha, which formed the foundation of India's independence movement.
